Brainerd: Kurt Johnson Saturday summary

Kurt Johnson powers to the No. 1 spot in Brainerd

ACDelco Cavalier driver Kurt Johnson completed an impressive qualifying performance on Saturday at the Lucas Oil Nationals by capturing the No 1 position for Sunday's final eliminations. This was Johnson's first top qualifying effort of the season, 22nd of his career and first at Brainerd International Raceway.

Johnson left little in doubt throughout the two days of time trials, as he posted the quickest elapsed time in each of the four sessions, with his best effort of 6.876 seconds coming on Friday evening. In addition, Johnson established a new BIR track top speed record with his 201.01-mph pass on Saturday morning.

"We had a problem with our engine during the last two races that slowed us down just enough to where we thought we might be making bad runs. We ran really well in Denver and the first run in Seattle, but it tapered off after that. What we found out when we got back to the shop was that the motor was chewing itself up."

"We got our ACDelco Cavalier back running on all eight cylinders this weekend, and the results speak for themselves. It's just a matter of making good runs - getting the car hooked up to the race track, and through the first three gears quicker than everybody else, because that's where you make your e.t.. For example, I was three hundredths quicker than anyone else to the eighth mile mark last night."

"We're certainly pleased with being No. 1, but we'll have to see what pans out tomorrow and over the next few races to see what gains we've made on the competition. The only thing I know for sure right now is that I've gained one POWERade point in the championship chase, and that could end up being the difference."